Tata Sons to establish 40GW battery cell gigafactory in UK

In a bold move to address renewable energy and electric mobility demands, Tata Sons has revealed plans to build a 40GW battery cell gigafactory in the United Kingdom with an investment of over £4 billion.

The initiative aims to provide electric mobility and renewable energy storage solutions for UK and European customers. Production is set to start in 2026, with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Tata Motors as its primary customers.

The gigafactory is a crucial part of Tata group’s commitment to green tech and sustainable energy. This substantial investment will foster a competitive green tech ecosystem in the UK. The facility will manufacture high-quality, sustainable battery cells and packs, serving various applications within the mobility and energy sectors. The manufacturing process will be underpinned by innovative technologies and resource-efficient procedures, including battery recycling for maximum resource reuse.

Tata Sons Chairman, N Chandrasekaran, commented on the new development, “Today, I am delighted to announce the Tata group will be setting up one of Europe’s largest battery cell manufacturing facilities in the UK. Our multi-billion pound investment will bring state-of-the-art technology to the country, helping to power the automotive sector’s transition to electric mobility, anchored by our own business, Jaguar Land Rover.”

Tata Group announces multi-billion investment in UK battery cell gigafactory. Photo courtesy of Tata Sons Private Limited.

With the creation of up to 4,000 new direct jobs and thousands more in the wider supply chain, the gigafactory aligns with the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy. The facility will also supply batteries to Jaguar Land Rover and other manufacturers in the UK and Europe, contributing to the country’s switch to zero-emissions vehicles.

The gigafactory, with its 40GWh capacity, is set to be one of the largest in Europe. It will play a crucial role in boosting the UK’s battery manufacturing capacity, which is vital for the long-term support of the electric vehicle industry. According to the Faraday Institution, the gigafactory will supply almost half of the battery production needed in the UK by 2030.

The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, also expressed his enthusiasm for the investment. “Tata group’s decision to build their new gigafactory here in the UK is a huge vote of confidence in Britain. This will be one of the largest ever investments in the UK automotive sector. It will not only create thousands of skilled jobs for Britons around the country, but it will also strengthen our lead in the global transition to electric vehicles,” he said.